Why you need root rights to the Mi 9 Lite
Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite (codenamed pyxis) is still a popular device due to its balance of performance and price. However, standard Android restrictions do not allow you to unlock the full potential of the device, obtaining root rights allows you to access system files, remove embedded applications, optimize battery life and even install custom firmware.
But before you get started, it’s important to understand that the process requires unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery (TWRP) and installing Magisk firmware. Each step carries risks from loss of warranty to “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze the current 2026 method of getting root on the Mi 9 Lite, taking into account the latest MIUI updates and changes in Xiaomi policy.
Preparation: What to do before unlocking
Before you start manipulating the system, follow the necessary preparatory steps, which minimizes risks and makes it easier to recover in the event of a failure.
- 📱 Save all the data: root and unlock the bootloader result in a complete device reset.Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local backup.
- 🔋 Battery charge: make sure the charge level is at least 70%. interruption of the process due to discharge can make the phone inoperable.
- 💻 Install drivers: download Mi Unlock Tool and drivers for Qualcomm (Snapdragon 710 chipset in Mi 9 Lite requires them for fastboot to work correctly).
- 🔍 Check the version. MIUI: current firmware (e.g, MIUI 14 based on Android 12) can block old unlock methods. Update to the latest stable version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
Also prepare. USB-cable (preferably original) and Windows-based computer 10/11. MacOS or Linux may have problems with Qualcomm drivers.
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices by default. To unlock it, you need to get permission from the manufacturer through the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Enable sync and confirm the link via SMS.
- Activate Developer Mode and allow OEM unlocking: Open Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. It can take up to 72 hours to link your account to your device (Xiaomi checks the request manually).
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Do not interrupt the process - this can lead to loss of IMEI or inoperability of the communication module.
Linked to Mi Account on phone|Unlocking enabled OEM|Qualcomm drivers installed|Battery charge >70%|Data backup made.-->
Step 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP)
Xiaomi’s standard recovery doesn’t allow you to flash modified files. To get root, you’ll need TWRP, a custom recovery with advanced features. For the Mi 9 Lite, use a pyxis-compatible version.
Download the current image of TWRP from the official website:
https://twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomimi9lite.htmlOr from the XDA Developers forum (look for themes tagged [pyxis]).
TWRP firmware is implemented via fastboot:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pyxis.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pyxis.img
- After rebooting to TWRP, don’t forget to turn off signature verification (if you have a request to modify the system, select Keep Read Only).
What to do if TWRP does not start?
Step 3: Install Magisk to get root rights
Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet check and use banking applications.
Installation instructions:
- Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip or later) from GitHub.
- Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
- Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
- Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
- After installation, reboot to the system.
Check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app or command in the terminal:
suIf a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.
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If after installing Magisk phone is fixated on the boot, try flashing Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (find 4PDA). This will disable forced encryption, which sometimes conflicts with modified firmware.
Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool is a "Couldn't unlock" error | The account is not tied to the device or 72 hours have passed | Wait 3 days, check your account’s binding in Settings → Xiaomi account |
| After the firmware TWRP phone does not turn on | Incompatible recovery or interrupted firmware | Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode |
| Magisk doesn't pass SafetyNet | Obsolete version of Magisk or forced encryption enabled | Update Magisk, go to Universal SafetyNet Fix (module for Magisk) |
| No network after unlocking the bootloader | Lost IMEI or damaged modem | Restore. IMEI through QCN-file (instructions for 4PDA) |
⚠️ Attention: If after unlocking the bootloader, the speaker sound disappeared or the camera stopped working, most likely, the firmware persist was damaged. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or paid services like Mi Flash Pro).
What to do with the root rights on the Mi 9 Lite
Root offers a lot of customization and optimization opportunities, and here are some useful applications:
- 🚀 Remove unnecessary bloatware (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music) with Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 packet.
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Set up Greenify for aggressive background control or change the kernel settings via Kernel Adiutor.
- 🎨 Topics and Modifications: Install Substratum for deep customization of the interface or scrolle through the Xposed Framework (if supported by your version of Android).
- 📱 Nandroid Backup: Create a Full System Snapshot TWRP before the firmware experiments.
However, remember that some actions (such as removing system APKs) can lead to unstable work.
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Root rights void the warranty Xiaomi. If you plan to contact the service center, return the device to factory condition (sweep the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool).